Quick Summary

Borage (Borago officinalis) is a plant traditionally used and currently researched for potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cosmetic applications. It contains biologically active compounds including omega-6 gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and phenolic compounds. Clinical evidence supporting therapeutic benefits in humans remains limited and inconclusive. Safety concerns primarily relate to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which carry potential hepatotoxicity risks. Research is ongoing to optimize cultivation techniques and explore its uses in skincare and other health domains.

What is it?

Borage is an annual herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region, recognized for its star-shaped blue flowers and hairy leaves. It is grown both for culinary use and extracts derived from its seeds and leaves. The plant is notable for containing gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, and various phenolic compounds believed to contribute to its biological activity.

Traditional Uses

Historically, borage has been used in folk medicine and ethnobotanical traditions for various ailments. Traditional applications include use as an anti-inflammatory agent, diuretic, and for respiratory or cardiovascular complaints. It has also been applied topically in cosmetic and skin care preparations.

Active Compounds

  • Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA): An omega-6 fatty acid found in borage seed oil, implicated in anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Phenolic compounds: Plant-based antioxidants that may contribute to borage’s antioxidant and skin-care properties.
  • Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs): Naturally occurring compounds with potential hepatotoxicity, warranting caution in use.

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Skin Care and Cosmetic Applications: Preclinical and in vitro evidence show antioxidant activity that may be enhanced by controlled cultivation, supporting its potential as a natural cosmetic ingredient (Viéytez et al., 2025; Poljšak & Kočevar Glavač, 2022). Clinical evidence remains limited.
  • Anti-inflammatory Potential: Experimental and preclinical studies suggest anti-inflammatory effects attributed to GLA content. However, clinical trials, including those on related oils like evening primrose oil, are mixed and inconclusive (Ghasemian et al., 2016; Sharifi et al., 2024).
  • Alcohol Hangover Management: Limited clinical trial evidence from one randomized controlled trial indicates some effect of borage-derived GLA on hangover symptoms, but findings are insufficient for firm conclusions (Pittler et al., 2005).
  • Nutritional Fatty Acid Source: While borage is a well-characterized natural source of GLA with known physiological roles, clinical benefits for specific disorders such as ADHD or dry eye disease are uncertain or equivocal (D’Helft et al., 2022; Downie et al., 2019).
  • Traditional Use and Ethnomedicine: Documented use in ethnobotanical surveys and folk medicine exists, but clinical validation is limited (Mazzei et al., 2024; Pieroni et al., 2022).

Side Effects

  • Mild and transient gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or abdominal discomfort from GLA-rich oils.
  • Potential hepatotoxicity associated with pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which is rare but serious.
  • Theoretical increased bleeding risk, particularly when combined with anticoagulants.
  • Possible allergic reactions, though these are not well documented.

Drug Interactions

  • Possible increased bleeding risk when taken with anticoagulants like warfarin (Bamford et al., 2013).
  • Limited evidence regarding interactions with cytochrome P450 enzymes; caution is advised when used alongside medications metabolized through these pathways.

Who Should Avoid It

  • Individuals with known liver disease or impaired hepatic function, due to potential hepatotoxicity from pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
  • People on anticoagulant therapy should use caution because of bleeding risks.
  • Those with known allergies to plants in the Boraginaceae family.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as safety has not been established (Ahmed et al., 2017).

Evidence Limitations

  • Most clinical studies on borage or its oil have small sample sizes and vary in quality (Bamford et al., 2013; Pittler et al., 2005).
  • The majority of claimed benefits are supported mainly by preclinical, in vitro, or animal data with limited human evidence.
  • Heterogeneity in study designs, formulations, and outcomes limits the generalizability of results.
  • Safety data regarding long-term use, high doses, and use in vulnerable populations (e.g., pregnant women, children) are insufficient.
  • Variability in pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination and product quality complicate risk-benefit assessment.

References

Last Reviewed

April 2024

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The efficacy and safety of borage for any health condition have not been conclusively established. Consult a healthcare professional before using borage or any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have underlying health conditions, or are taking medications.